Film review: Frank (7 out of 10)

And Frank certainly is that.

It’s good that decent actors are happy to take a chance and push themselves.

Michael Fassbender has certainly taken a risk by appearing, sporting a papier-mâché head.

And Maggie Gyllenhaal plays a particularly troubled woman with a rather vicious penknife,

The story sees a would-be singer-songwriter Jon who chances on an opportunity to join a band and express himself and live out his dream.

Domhnall Gleeson, now announced as part of the new Star Wars franchise, plays this character, losing his own Irish accent for a more nerdy English one.

Jon joins the band which sports an unpronounceable name - Soronprfbs - and ends up living with his fellow musicians as they attempt to create an album.

Leader of the group is the enigmatic Frank, with his fixed facial features who seemingly can only exist as this alter ego.

The head rather bizarrely is in fact based on Frank Sidebottom, a creation of the late British comedian Chris Sievey’s iconic comedy character.

This movie has plenty of humour and is far more interesting when it’s in this mood.

However, the final third rather lapses into the melodramatic which is a pity.

The music, which is the focal point of Jon and Frank’s creative spirit, is rather off the wall and won’t interest many.

Fassbender’s Frank is the centre of attention, but Gleeson shows he is a talented actor and it’s no wonder he’s lined up for bigger projects.

Gyllenhaal and Scoot McNairy, as fellow band members, provide solid enough performances but this is a story about the relationship between Jon and Frank.

Pity it rather fizzles out.

Film details: Frank (15) 95mins

Director: Lenny Abrahamson

Starring: Michael Fassbender, Domhnall Gleeson, Maggie Gyllenhaal

Screening courtesy of Cineworld Crawley